Sharing CHRIST in All Places - Acts 13:1-3; 14:1-7, 21-23 - July 22, 2007

Sunday School Lesson – Sharing CHRIST in All Places – July 22, 2007

This is lesson four (4) in our study series.

Our background scripture is Acts 13:1 – 14:28.

Our focal scripture is Acts 13:1-3; 14:1-7, 21-23.

This to me has been an exciting journey. We have, through the reporting of Dr. Luke, the working of GOD in the lives of the early church builders and leaders. We saw in last week’s lesson how GOD worked in the lives of Cornelius, the Gentile and the Apostle Peter, a Jew. GOD had to reveal to Peter that HE is not a respecter of persons and Peter had to deal with tradition in his life before he could move forward to serve GOD completely.

We know the HOLY SPIRIT works in lives today to refine them to be of greater service to our LORD. Most of us have barriers that prevent us from being of complete service to the LORD. Stubbornness on our part can result in us not changing our nature and we limit our ability to be all GOD wants us to be. We have to keep in mind that GOD does not override our right to choose.

Again this week GOD gives us an opportunity to observe HIS handiwork in the area of church planting and building through Dr. Luke.

First, we see the heart of the church at Antioch. The heart of the church is reflected through the hearts of its members, particularly through the leadership of the church. Here are some of the attributes of the church at Antioch:

- It is a diversified church. Its members come from a variety of backgrounds, Jews and Gentiles.
- Barnabas was an encourager and as a result the church was an encouraging church.
- It was a giving church by sending money to the church in Jerusalem.
- It was a mission minded church.
- It was a ministering church.
- It was a teaching church.

Let’s read Acts 13:1-3: (This is Antioch of Syria)

Preparing for the Mission Field
1 In the local church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger (NIGH guhr), Lucius (LYOO shuhs) the Cyrenian (sigh REE nih uhn), Manaen (MAN uh en), a close friend of • Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they were ministering to[1] Or were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work that I have called them to.” 3 Then, after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them,[2] See note at Ac 6:6 they sent them off.

Leadership is critical in any church. In Antioch of Syria the LORD had equipped the church with both prophets and teachers. Prophets can be those who the LORD reveals the future or they can be those who preach the word. It is believed these prophets were those who preached and revealed the future. This is important for any growing and expanding church. Vision is critical for the growth of any church.

Teachers are those who reveal GOD’S plan as revealed through the scriptures and through prophesy. Teachers reveal truth as they are lead by the HOLY SPIRIT to build and strengthen the body of believers and equip those the LORD has chosen to serve HIM.

Many scholars believe the five (5) listed members of the Antioch church were considered to be both prophets and teachers. Some speculate that Simeon was the Simon who carried the cross of JESUS.

Manaen (MAN uh en) was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch. The word used for “close friend” carries the meaning that he was raised, educated and trained along side of Herod. This is thought to be the likely source of much of Dr. Luke’s intimate information regarding Herod Antipas.

Notice Paul is still referred to as Saul but later on in Acts he becomes Paul.

As they were ministering or worshiping and fasting, the LORD through the HOLY SPIRIT spoke to them. The HOLY SPIRIT said “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work that I have called them to.”

Notice the words in bold. First, GOD chose two (2) specific people by name. Then HE chose them for a specific task “the work” HE had. This is so important in serving our LORD. You have heard me say that we try to please GOD by doing something good for the LORD. This effort is us trying to perform for GOD. The key is that we do what GOD wants us to do and wait upon HIM to show us what work HE has for us. When HE reveals to us the work HE has, that is our invitation to join HIM in that work.

Many people have a problem when someone says the LORD spoke to him or her. The LORD speaks in many different ways. In fact HE speaks any way HE chooses to reveal HIS message to the person or group. Often HE speaks through HIS Word (the Bible), through prayer, through the church, through fellow Christians and any way HE knows HE can get your attention. HE spoke to Moses through a burning bush and HE spoke to Jonah in the belly of a large fish.

Once the LORD revealed that HE had called Barnabas and Saul for service, the church members fasted, prayed and laid hands upon them. This commissioned them for service. Today most churches commission those who are called for specific work for the LORD.

As we discussed in last week’s lesson, the laying on of hands does not impart special power but it is a symbol authorizing those called to go with their blessings. Also, implied with the commissioning is a commitment of those not going to support those going, especially through prayer.

This launches Paul’s first missionary journey as he and Barnabas are commissioned by this young church Antioch of Syria to go as the LORD has requested. This shows the heart of the church. The LORD called the church to send Barnabas and Saul. What a step of faith by the early church. They had the heart to share the good news of JESUS CHRIST and fulfill the great commission.

Let’s read Acts 14:1-7: (To see what happened in the previous city skip to Acts 13:42-52 printed following this scripture.)

Growth and Persecution in Iconium
1 The same thing happened in Iconium; they entered the Jewish • synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up and poisoned the minds[1] Lit and harmed the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers. 3 So they stayed there for some time and spoke boldly, in reliance on the Lord, who testified to the message of His grace by granting that signs and wonders be performed through them. 4 But the people of the city were divided, some siding with the Jews and some with the apostles. 5 When an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to assault and stone them, 6 they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian towns called Lystra (LISS truh) and Derbe (DUHR bih), and to the surrounding countryside. 7 And there they kept evangelizing.
This scripture begins with, “The same thing happened in Iconium.” We need to go to the previous scripture to know what had happened.

Let’s read Acts 13:42-52: (This is in Antioch of Pisidia)

42 As they[16] Paul and Barnabas were leaving, they[17] Other mss read they were leaving the synagogue of the Jews, the Gentiles [18] The people begged that these matters be presented to them the following Sabbath. 43 After the synagogue had been dismissed, many of the Jews and devout • proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who were speaking with them and persuading them to continue in the grace of God. 44 The following Sabbath almost the whole town assembled to hear the message of the Lord.[19] Other mss read of God 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to oppose what Paul was saying by insulting him. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas boldly said: “It was necessary that God’s message be spoken to you first. But since you reject it, and consider yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles! 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends[20] Lit the end of the earth.”[21] Isaiah 49:6 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the message of the Lord, and all who had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49 So the message of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the religious women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their district. 51 But shaking the dust off their feet against them,[22] Mt 10:14 they proceeded to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

Barnabas and Paul leave Antioch of Pisidia and proceed to Iconium filled with joy and the confirmation of the HOLY SPIRIT that they had been obedient to their calling. The results are always in GOD’S hands.

Now back to Iconium - Barnabas and Paul go to the local synagogue in Iconium to spread the good news of JESUS. A number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. Satan uses every tool he can to prevent the spread of the Gospel. The Jews become jealous and poison the minds of the Gentiles against the new believers. Peer pressure is a very hard thing to deal with especially in a small town. It took courage for the new believers to remain loyal to their faith in CHRIST. But once you have seen the truth, know the truth and know that CHRIST is the ONE you have been seeking, it is hard to turn your back on the truth.

Barnabas and Paul did not run from the situation but stayed to preach and teach. GOD performed signs and wonders to confirm HIS presence and to confirm their message. Signs and wonders also confirmed to the new believers that their faith in CHRIST is on a firm foundation.

The city was divided and those opposing the message of Barnabas and Paul planned to stone them. They learn of the plan and leave the city. They stayed there long enough to establish a church. They made sure the new believers were well founded in the faith before they left.

In ministry we never know when our time might be cut short.

Barnabas and Paul leave Iconium and travel to Lystra preaching the gospel of CHRIST. Lystra is about twenty (20) miles away from Iconium. The Jews from Antioch of Pisidia join forces with the Jews in Iconium they find Barnabas and Paul in Lystra. The Jews focus on Paul because he is a fellow Jew and can relate to Jews. Paul is also a Roman citizen and he can relate to the Gentiles. They dragged Paul out of Lystra and stone him. They left him for dead.

Acts 14:19-20: (The Jews mentioned here are from Antioch of Pisidia.)

19 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and when they had won over the crowds and stoned Paul, they dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead. 20 After the disciples surrounded him, he got up and went into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.

Paul never misses a beat. The next day he leaves with Barnabas for Derbe which is about sixty (60) miles southeast of Lystra. Just think about being stoned (in the literal sense of people throwing large rocks at you), left for dead and then continue to minister, only the love for our LORD and assurance can produce that commitment.

I think Paul died when he was stoned because of testimony he gives in 2 Corinthians 12:2-6:
2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago--whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows--such a one was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know such a man--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows-- 4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. 6 For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.

Let’s read Acts 14:21-23:
Church Planting
21 After they had evangelized that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch (of Pisidia), 22 strengthening the hearts[5] Lit souls of the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith, and by telling them, “It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the kingdom of God.” 23 When they had appointed elders in every church and prayed with fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Barnabas and Paul leave Derbe and return to Lystra, the very city where they had stoned him and left him for dead. Can you imagine what ran through the minds of those who had stoned Paul when they saw him enter their city alive and well? This the news must have spread like wild fire through the inhabitants of Lystra. The Jews knew the story of Jonah. They had just witnessed a sign and wonder. Only GOD could resurrect the dead. This had to confirm in their hearts that GOD was at work.

Any one having been stoned by an angry mob of Jews had to be well founded in their faith regarding the gospel they were preaching. Paul was committed to ensuring that all the new believers in each city where they had already ministered were growing and maturing in the LORD. He was also showing that he indeed was alive and well and still preaching the gospel of CHRIST. It is likely that the news of Paul’s stoning had been spread but his appearance laid that message to rest.

Paul wanted to make sure the church was on solid ground before he retuned to Antioch of Syria. He wanted these new churches to be well organized and equipped with strong leadership before he moved on. So he appointed Elders or shepherds to ensure that all believers continued to be nourished with spiritual food and to remain strong in the faith because of the potential for persecution. The idea of Elders came from the Jewish religion. Elders were older men who were strong n their faith and knew the scriptures.

In the case of the early church the Elders were likely men who were well founded in their faith regarding JESUS. They were likely men who knew how to relate the existing scriptures to the life, dead and resurrection of CHRIST to show that CHRIST is the SAVIOR of mankind.

This is a vital message and practice for us today. It is vital that all new believers are well grounded in the scriptures and that they grow and mature in the LORD.

Barnabas’s and Paul’s return to each city they had already visited showed their resolve to serve the LORD and to depend upon the power of the HOLY SPIRIT to prepare the way.

In any mission effort the LORD prepares the way. Prayer and support from those remaining behind is vital. Christians need to pray for each other and for those serving the LORD through missions.

Their objectives in revisiting the churches were:
- Encourage
- Strengthen
- Challenge
- Establish qualified leadership (Elders).
- Commend the leadership to the care of the LORD to continue the work.
- And I think to show that Paul was alive and well and still strong in the faith, even after being stoned (Rocks).

The fact that Barnabas and Paul returned after leaving under a cloud of anger was a testimony of their commitment to the LORD JESUS to the new believers as well as those who had refused to believe. This had to be extremely reassuring, encouraging and strengthening to the new believers.

Our continued walk with our LORD is a witness when we face and endure situations life brings our way. Such strength only comes from the LORD through the power and indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT in our lives.

As our church prepares to send a team to Poland, I ask for your prayers for the team.